RE: software reliability

This is a detail I could easily have missed had not someone pointed it out.

When I do get around to testing it, I will ask permission to use my own pianoteq set-up, rather than a pre-installed, bug-ironed, glitch free system of their choosing.

Even then it may be hard to detect any software flaws. Especially with a sales rep hovering over my shoulder.

I shall have to dig a little deeper into what exactly can go wrong with the Nero before testing. Any inconsistencies may not become apparent unless I know what to search for.

Anyway, worth all the fuss if it really is as good as most say

I'll be sure to report my findings.

Cheers,

Tony

I own the yamaha p-85 and am fairly satisfied with the feel of the keys. Certainly better than Casios of a similar price.

Although happy for now, I have been think of trading up eventually to a Fatar Nero, or a Kawai digital, or even a hybrid (the best of both worlds!). I am keen to find out just how good this Nero actually is.-ToneF

I own a Fatar VMK188plus and it's true, the action and feel is great, so I'd expect the Nero to be similar. But as has been mentioned there are sometimes uneven velocity issues. Mine is pretty good in that respect.
There are other issues, some of which have been documented here, on Harmony Central and elsewhere. On my unit, like others have reported, sustain data is sent out even when you're not using the damper pedal. I wondered why, after recording something in Pianoteq's sequencer, the sustain information on playback would be wrong. It's because on playback the VMK continues to send pedal info, and it interferes.
Because of this and some other factors I'm selling my Fatar in spite of it's exceptional action. I've had a number of Fatar keyboards and IMO their software is not of the same quality as their hardware, which is too bad. So my suggestion is to try out the Nero thoroughly before buying it.

Regards,
Michael

I'm not sure what, if anything, distinguishes the p-95 from the p-85, but at first glance it does not appear to be much.

Anyone looking for a bargain entry-level digital can't go wrong with one of these.
Sure, it can't compete with the priciest models from Fatar or Roland, or even yamaha's flagship models.
Nevertheless, it is rock-solid of build, and has consistent velocity response across the board.

Although happy for now, I have been think of trading up eventually to a Fatar Nero, or a Kawai digital, or even a hybrid (the best of both worlds!). I am keen to find out just how good this Nero actually is.

In my experience, Kawai trumps any Yamaha model that I've tried. Even comparing low to mid-priced models. The keys respond quicker, feel lighter,  and somewhat tighter than the clavinovas, and P-series. Though not light enough to distract from the illusion of playing a real piano.

In retrospect, if I had been somehow able to try kawai at the same time as yamaha, I'm sure I would have chosen Kawai.

It's all a matter of personal preference really, I guess - do you go for Yamaha (slightly slower and Heavy feel), Kawai (as described earlier), Fatar (purportedly amazing)...or Roland?

Having only tested Roland's V-Piano when it was first unveiled, all I can say of them are  that it was a very enjoyable experience indeed.

And if any of their lower priced models live up to the impressive feel and sound, then I would thoroughly advise giving them a look as well, if within your budget.

Sorry to go on for so long. Just thought I'd add my two penneth worth, if it helps.

-ToneF

Yamaha P95 Review

It actually repeats better than I thought it did in the store, too.
Here's a little recording of me doing some forte repeating:
http://www.box.net/shared/qmqke1rc22
(the wrong notes are my fault!)

It doesn't have as much hammer inertia feel as my Kawai MP9000, but I still think it plays well and feels better than it ought to for such a lighweight portable keyboard.  I think it's wonderful.

Greg.

By 'control' I mean buttons, sliders, wheels etc, so you can adjust parameters like reverb, volume, filters, program changes and more on the fly without having to use a mouse or trackpad within a program. Also, IMO, a good controller keyboard should provide at least some visual feedback.

Greg.

I actually have a Yamaha P95 sitting in an unopened box a couple feet away from me. Bought the thing on impulse, but now I'm having second thoughts.

I tried it in the store, and I wasn't exactly thrilled with the touch. I didn't instantly connect with it like I did the VMK-188. And it doesn't have a mod or pitch control wheel, which I love for playing synths. But I figured it was worth having an even touch across the keyboard.

Argh, decisions, decisions...

Has anyone here tried both the VMK and the SL990XP from Studiologic? Does the XP feel just as good? For $300 bucks less, minus a few knobs and faders that I'd probably only use sparingly, it's mighty tempting.

I had the SL990XP for a short time and returned it because of, you guessed it, uneven velocity, but it was very similar AFA touch/feel to the VMK-188 plus. I believe it may even be the same action. The SL has almost NO control though.

One thing I can say about Yamaha's digital pianos- the touch is very even. It's a matter of whether or not you like their feel, and features, and the fact that many Yammies, although their touch is EVEN, don't hit the outer velocity ranges easily unless their curve is adjusted in software.

I give up looking for the perfect controller. I loved the Studiologic action enough that I'm just going to pick up another one in hopes that it's more even, and if it's not, that'll just be a little tiny inconvenience.

Has anyone here tried both the VMK and the SL990XP from Studiologic? Does the XP feel just as good? For $300 bucks less, minus a few knobs and faders that I'd probably only use sparingly, it's mighty tempting.